WRAP | The Business of Recycling | England, Northern Ireland and Wales

Communications and design consultancy to support workplace recycling regulations and ensure businesses separate and recycle materials correctly.

Stakeholder consultation | Analysis | Strategic planning and implementation | Design

Project overview

On 31 March 2025, the UK Government introduced the Simpler Recycling legislation, requiring workplaces in England with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees to separate recyclable waste from general waste. To help standardise recycling practices, reduce waste and improve the quality of recycled materials.

Under these new rules, businesses must separate:

  • Dry recyclables (paper, card, plastic, metal, glass)

  • Food waste

  • Residual (non-recyclable) waste

Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions. By adopting the regulations, businesses contribute to the circular economy and support the UK's target of recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035.

Project aim

To work with WRAP to consult stakeholders about how best to communicate these changes, including creating a new Business of Recycling identity, website, guidance documents and free downloadable assets to help businesses implement the regulations.

Our role

Our work included a range of communications consultancy, design and print management.

England

  • Industry stakeholder consultation

  • Development of the BoR Communications Strategy and brand assets with WRAP

  • Pilot support for local authorities and BIDs to test engagement with local businesses

  • Creation of a comprehensive Resources Pack to support partner delivery

  • Using pilot insights to shape England’s national Partner Engagement Plan

Northern Ireland

  • Regional stakeholder consultation

  • Development of a tailored communications approach.

Wales

  • Creation of resources pack and industry specific guidance

  • New workplace recycling material stream icons

  • Campaign materials for to support the legislation

Business of Recycling guidelines and workplace material stream icons

Outcomes

  • WRAP launched new Business of Recycling websites across England, Northern Ireland and Wales

  • Easy-to-access guidance, free assets and resources were produced to help businesses comply with and communicate workplace recycling regulations

  • Supported WRAP’s aim to deliver a consistent yet regionally tailored approach to business recycling communications